Android Wear 2.0 and LG Watch Style/Sport

[kkh786]

Seems like the recent announcement of Android Wear 2.0 and LG Watch Style/Sport has gone unnoticed here.

The original Android Wear launched back in 2014, to lukewarm reviews and complaints that the software was rushed out the door to compete with Apple. With 2.0, Google has revamped the software with a UI that's easier to navigate and less reliant on a paired smartphone.

Most notably, Android Wear 2.0 has the popular Google Assistant software built in. Simply say "Okay, Google" to get directions, compose text messages, or get your latest fitness stats.

To coincide with the release of Android Wear, smartwatch maker LG has released two brand new models - LG Watch Style/Sport.

While the LG Watch Style comes in at an affordable $249, the real poster child for Wear 2.0 is the $349 LG Watch Sport. The Sport comes with a built in GPS and heart rate monitors, but the most impressive feature is that it has 4G LTE built into the watch itself. This means you can use all of your favourite fitness apps (like Google Fit, Strava, and Runtastic) and even make calls during your workout without your phone taking space in your pocket—no tethering required. Wear 2.0 also includes the ability to browse and download apps directly from the watch itself, as opposed to downloading them to a tethered phone.

I am quite excited by the LG Watch Sport bar the steep price. Although the UK prices are yet to be announced.. I'm not too optimistic. Expect the Sport to be at least £349!

What do you guys think?

KKH

 

[s0nicpr0s]

I was excited at first, as I've missed my Moto 360 since it died. The LG Watch Style looks nice, but sadly doesn't have some of the features I would've liked (heart rate monitor, and maybe the NFC). The Sport has it, but is too thick for my taste. Can't wait to see what other watches come in the future. Then I can finally get back into Android Wear!!!

 

[Lloydbm41]

The LG watch Sport is a complete waste. Plastic back, you cant replace the wristband without destroying the LTE antennas (apparently), which is why they screwed it in place and it is nearly twice as thick as the Huawei Watch. Sorry LG, no sale.

Android Wear 2.0 is still not completely released for public consumption. My Huawei watch has been in hibernation since I got my Gear S3, and brought it back to life last night (going through 3 updates to get it up to the latest M version.) I shall wait and see if Wear 2.0 is worth it, or if I will stick to my Gear S3.

I haven't been impressed with what I have seen thus far Google!

 

[tbayrgs]

I think the changes in Android Wear were badly needed and will go a long ways toward making Android Wear a viable alternative. I've tried using it multiple times (once with an LG Watch Urbane, twice with the Huawei Watch I still own but have in hibernation like @Lloydbm41) and it was a shadow of WatchOS in UX and functionality. While I get a slight chuckle seeing how they've basically aped the best bits of WatchOS 3.0, I honestly really don't care because they should make Android Wear a vastly improved smart watch OS.

Unfortunately, my feelings about the latest LG offerings aren't as favorable. The Sport is a gigantic monstrosity that even with all that extra size to accommodate more battery, still looks like it can't make it through a day's use. The S3 Frontier offers the same functionality in a slightly smaller package with a smaller battery AND the ability to swap bands yet lasts a couple days between charges. Ditching the LTE would likely allow a much smaller device with far better battery life (a la Apple Watch). The Style is smaller and offers the ability to swap bands but it's cheap looking with none of the useful functionality of it's competitors.

Here's hoping we see some better hardware but I'm not sure from whom to expect it considering Moto appears to have abandoned this segment and Samsung wants nothing to do with Android Wear.

 

[44267547]

The LG watch Sport is a complete waste. Plastic back, you cant replace the wristband without destroying the LTE antennas (apparently), which is why they screwed it in place and it is nearly twice as thick as the Huawei Watch. Sorry LG, no sale.

Android Wear 2.0 is still not completely released for public consumption. My Huawei watch has been in hibernation since I got my Gear S3, and brought it back to life last night (going through 3 updates to get it up to the latest M version.) I shall wait and see if Wear 2.0 is worth it, or if I will stick to my Gear S3.

I haven't been impressed with what I have seen thus far Google!

Agreed. Google has not excelled very far with their smart watches. Primarily being points you made about the band replacing, which is a huge advantage Apple has and the build quality isn't near as what Apple's is.

The Gear S3 is a nice Watch. Samsung has the advantage with a round iteration and it's built solid. Hopefully Apple can expand on this.

 

[nutriousmitten]

Tried out the Gear S3 for a couple weeks and its the most polished smart watch to date IMO. You have to like larger watches, but screen is great, always on display makes it look "normal" if so desired, as a watch, no lag, battery life very good, great UI with the rotating bezel, and then can use regular watch bands when wanting to switch up the look.

 

[kdarling]

What Android Wear makers are missing, is a decently sized (i.e. small) lady's version.

I know a lot of female Android phone users who would kill for a petite Android smartwatch.

 

[widgeteer]

The biggest issue is the same one that dogs all smartwatches: why do I need this? Yes, there are specific use cases that make it desirable. I don't think there are enough that justify their existence, though. I don't need another, smaller, screen to interact with.

The other issue is Android itself. I flat out don't trust Android OEMs to update or support these products. This is why I will only buy Pixel or Samsung phones if I want Android.

 

[Paul Dawkins]

I don't need a watch to know I get no sleep.

 

[hallux]

I haven't been impressed with what I have seen thus far Google!

Agreed. Google has not excelled very far with their smart watches

Something you both seem to be missing is that Google has had very little to do with the hardware design of the watches that have been released thus far. This looks to be changing soon, but I wouldn't be blaming Google for LG's design decisions.

 

[Lloydbm41]

Something you both seem to be missing is that Google has had very little to do with the hardware design of the watches that have been released thus far. This looks to be changing soon, but I wouldn't be blaming Google for LG's design decisions.

The LG watches were made in conjunction with Google, much like Nexus devices in the past. So yes, Google had quite a bit to do with the development of both LG watches.

 

[44267547]

Something you both seem to be missing is that Google has had very little to do with the hardware design of the watches that have been released thus far. This looks to be changing soon, but I wouldn't be blaming Google for LG's design decisions.

I disagree. Both LG and Google are incorporated. Google likely had plenty of overseeing on design and implementation.

 

[slopokdave]

I picked up the Sport on Friday. Aside from the non replaceable band, it's my favorite smart watch I've owned. I've had Moto, Samsung's, etc.

Battery is all day, LTE is great for when I'm away from phone on a run. AW 2.0 is a fantastic update.

 

[lowendlinux]

you cant replace the wristband without destroying the LTE antennas (apparently)

That means I'm out which is a shame because I've been looking forward to this for months

 

[JaySoul]

Didn't go unnoticed but I think most regular posters realised it wasn't a great announcement.

The Sport is gigantic, ridiculously so. And the Style is gimped with too much taken out. There needed to be a middle ground between.

There will be plenty of Android smartwatches this year, and 2.0 looks like a good update, so I'm sure interest will rise once the devices improve throughout 2017.

As for me, I've got a Samsung Gear S3 (Classic) and absolutely love it. It's the first smartwatch that ticks pretty much all the boxes I need. It's a keeper for me, probably for the next couple of years I hope.

 

[slopokdave]

As for me, I've got a Samsung Gear S3 (Classic) and absolutely love it. It's the first smartwatch that ticks pretty much all the boxes I need. It's a keeper for me, probably for the next couple of years I hope.

Tizen apps are so awful. Their watches are good for battery life and that's about it. The experience compared to Android Wear 2.0 is pretty bad.

I hope they come around and move back to Android Wear, but I don't see that happening.

I also don't get where people seem to think the Sport is huge. It's a little bit smaller than the Nixon and by all accounts as a men's/fitness watch it's perfectly appropriate. I have average hands/wrist as a dude too.

If I'm a female, and I want something more feminine, my options are limited.

 

[tbayrgs]

I also don't get where people seem to think the Sport is huge. It's a little bit smaller than the Nixon and by all accounts as a men's/fitness watch it's perfectly appropriate. I have average hands/wrist as a dude too.

If I'm a female, and I want something more feminine, my options are limited.

The diameter is on the high side but not that significantly different from other large smart watches (large 2nd gen Moto 360 or Gear S3 Frontier). My issue is the non removable straps which reviews I've seen say are firm (meaning it might sit higher on the wrist) and uncomfortable, but more significantly, the 14.2mm thickness--that's really tall and won't be a comfortable fit under sleeves. And early reports of mediocre battery life, even being big, aren't encouraging.

 

[mi7chy]

It's the best looking smartwatch on the market so far and surpasses the Gear S3. The fusion of modern clean design and traditional round watch look sharp. Prefer the subtle titanium color over shiny chrome or boring black and attention to detail with wide wrist strap vs skinny and nice smooth transition from strap to watch body. Only drawbacks I see compared to the Gear S3 are rotating crown vs rotating bezel, NFC vs MST payment, proprietary wrist band and 28nm SoC has higher power consumption than 14nm SoC. The pluses are Android Wear and Google services.

 

[co.ag.2005]

here's an unboxing on Droid-Life. That thing is a monster! I do think it looks good but way too big for me

Video: LG Watch Sport Unboxing and First Look

 

[Tinmania]

I picked up the Sport on Friday. Aside from the non replaceable band, it's my favorite smart watch I've owned. I've had Moto, Samsung's, etc.

Battery is all day, LTE is great for when I'm away from phone on a run. AW 2.0 is a fantastic update.

I have one as well and so far it is a really nice watch. The band is not an issue as I have never changed a watch band on any watch in my life, including two Apple watches. If I didn't read about the band containing antennas I wouldn't even have known. That said it does seem good as far as reception is concerned.

I like that it feels more "independent" than my previous smartwatches. The on-board app store, Google Home (I set up my Hue lighting on the watch without anything needed on my phone), etc.


Mike

 

[kkh786]

Still no sign of UK availability! Com'on Google! You will lose my custom at this rate!
I am already keen to see what the Huawei Watch 2 looks like. Love the idea of sapphire glass!

 

[Tinmania]

Tried out the Gear S3 for a couple weeks and its the most polished smart watch to date IMO. You have to like larger watches, but screen is great, always on display makes it look "normal" if so desired, as a watch, no lag, battery life very good, great UI with the rotating bezel, and then can use regular watch bands when wanting to switch up the look.

Unfortunately it is still saddled with Tizen--and SVoice which makes Siri look like it was sent from the Gods. It's severely compromised if you use or have any intention of switching to iOS. Heck it is even compromised if you don't use a Samsung Android phone. A shame for such a nice watch. But I use Siri and now Google Assistant a lot and don't want to give that up.

I am liking the new LG Sport so far. I have larger non-smart watches so its size is not definitely not too big to me. Google Wear 2.0 just seems to have more apps and more support. I was able to set up the watch to control my Hue lightening without needing my phone at all--or even the Hue app on the phone. Google Home did it all on the watch itself. Google Assistant is in my opinion far better than SVoice. Maybe that will change when Samsung gets Bixby out but that remains to be seen.

Biggest issue I have so far with the LG Sport is battery life. Too early to tell since I have been fooling around with it so much. I only care about getting a solid day, maybe day and a half, and others seem to get that, so I will give it some time and probably a full reset so I can set up only what I end up using.



Mike

 

[kkh786]

Huawei have announced something so underwhelming I cannot even fathom it.
I guess I will now just wait for the LG Watch Sport to come to the UK (hopefully soon)!

 

[hallux]

Huawei have announced something so underwhelming I cannot even fathom it.
I guess I will now just wait for the LG Watch Sport to come to the UK (hopefully soon)!

I agree, seeing the next Huawei watch makes me happy I have the one I do - the first Huawei Watch.

 

[Badrottie]

Android Wear 2.0 doesn't work with my LG Watch Urbane. All I can see is version 1.5?????